RETIRED UNIVERSITY lecturer, 86-year-old Dr. George Proctor, charged with conspiracy to murder his 66-year-old wife, was yesterday denied bail in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.
Dr. Proctor, whose attorney had pleaded for his release from custody on the basis of his age, diabetic state, severe glaucoma and distinguished national and international service, is to return to court on May 4 when the case is to be mentioned.
Dr. Proctor, who is charged jointly with his former chauffeur, 41-year-old Glenmore Flemmington, appeared before Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey who ordered both men remanded.
It is being alleged that sometime this month Dr. Proctor, a world renowned botanist, approached Flemming-ton to hire someone to murder his wife. A man was allegedly approached to commit the murder and met with Dr. Proctor and Flemmington several times at the University of the West Indies compound and other locations. The man, however, reported the matter to the police.
Operation Kingfish launched an intensive investigation into the matter and set up a surveillance of the two accused.
Dr. Proctor, who is an American national, was held last week Thursday while on his way to board a flight to the United States where, it is alleged, he intended to stay while the murder took place. Flemmington was taken into custody earlier that day.
